Social Network Facebook and Psychological Operations (PSYOP)

This article is a try to analyze the methods and means of using the Internet and social networks based on open sources, in particular as one of the most popular tools for conducting specific information and psychological operations of hybrid warfare.

Among other things, the article discusses: the reasons for using social networks as a means of influencing the individual and society; some scientific developments on the methods and purposes of information operations in a hybrid war; examples of using the potential of social networks (on the example of Facebook) in conducting information and psychological operations of hybrid warfare, in particular regarding the formation of social tensions, support of controversial and confrontational radical groups, undermining mobilization readiness, spreading panic, danger, social insecurity among citizens, as well as the means of counteracting such operations by governments, organizations, associations, and individuals that have taken place in practice.

The parties’ motives to the military information conflict, methods, and means of harmful influences and resistance against them, including international practice, are generally listed.

Activities at the international, public, private and civil levels have been demonstrated to effectively protect society from potential harmful impacts on citizens, society, and the State by its "goodwill".

The article also deals with the Ukrainian experience of information confrontation in the conditions of information warfare to prevent/reduce side effects from information and psychological operations.

The publication can be helpful for journalists-practitioners, students, scientists, and all users of social networks for whom information hygiene and media literacy are a daily necessity.